BOTULISM IN HORSES!!!

Clostridium botulinum lives in moist soil and areas with high humidity and prevalent in decaying matter.The toxins that are produced are very potent resulting in death within 3-5 days of onset of signs. Clostridium botulinum is related to tetanus but more potent than tetanus.The source of infection is usually contaminated pasture that has dead/decaying bodies of animals.The spores are ingested with pasture, the spores can also be consumed from contaminated hay,there is also the possibility of wound contamination by spores. Botulism affects old and young horses, although young horses are very susceptible with a resultant malady disease referred to as shaker foal syndrome. The shaker foal syndrome occurs at 3-8 weeks of age and symptoms include weakness,inability to rise, profound muscle tremor.The uncontrollable shaking often cause the foal to tumble and remain recumbent,death occurs as a result of respiratory paralysis. The classical signs of botulism include;1) muscular tremors and stilted gait. 2)difficult eating and swallowing. 3)progressive muscle weakness 4)decreased tail and tongue tone 4)respiratory paralysis followed by death. The botulinum toxin reproduces repeatedly and rapidly in the horse's gut. Treatment; isolation of affected horse . 2)injection of antitoxin to all horses in the stables.